Winter Olympics: Ben Sandford strives for podium ending

Ben Sandford. Photo/Ben Fraser

Rotorua's Ben Sandford is only days away from taking part in his third Winter Olympics. The skeleton racer is the only Rotorua athlete competing at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games and is scheduled to race on Saturday morning (NZT) in his first heat. The Rotorua Daily Post caught up with him and asked him a few questions ahead of the weekend.

How has your build up been for this year's Winter Olympics?

My build up hasn't gone as planned which has been both annoying and extremely frustrating. This season I've had injuries, broken equipment and three weeks ago had a pretty serious crash. It's going to be quite the challenge to pull everything together in a short period of time.

What are your goals for this year's competition?

My goal has always been to be on the podium. At the moment things are very much one day at a time, so hopefully I'll get to the start line and if I can push and then slide, well, anything is possible.

Who are the top medal prospects and are you intimidated by them?

The top medal contenders are the Latvians and Russians, they are going to be very strong here. I'm not intimidated by them at all, these are guys I've competed against for the last 12 years, I know them well. I just have to race my race and not worry about what they're doing.

You are competing against guys who have an unlimited budget, how hard does that make it for you?

It's definitely a challenge, but that's the reality we have to deal with and you can't use it as an excuse for not performing, you just have to find ways to work with what you've got and be better than the rest.

How many Olympics have you been to now and could this be your last one?

This is my third Olympics and I'm pretty sure it'll be my last.

Will any of your family be attending?

Yeah, my family and friends have been incredible over the years coming out to support me and be part of this journey. I have both friends and family coming to Sochi, which isn't the easiest place to get to, can't wait to see them.

How big is this year's New Zealand team?

There are 15 athletes in the NZ team. There's a really good team feeling here in the village and the NZOC has done a great job of creating a bit of NZ for us to live and relax in.

* Sandford finished 10th and 11th at his last two Winter Olympics.